2017 Tabou 3S

NOVAAN · Joined: 28 Sep 1994 Posts: 1551

I have a 2014 96 and a 2016 86 3S. (that's a lot of numbers) Anyway, I think these boards a really great for how I sail. This year, Tabou has completely changed the the outline of these boards. All sizes are now super short. "stubby" The 116 is now 226x 66. last year it was 242x66. I know some of you guys are riding the stubby wave boards. Any input on the pros and cons of these short shape would be welcome. I am considering adding the 116 for 6.5 lite air bay and lake sailing. This shorter shape allows me to just barely add one more board when I travel....

Arrgh · Joined: 05 May 1998 Posts: 864 Location: Rio

Windsurf Magazine just released their Jan-Feb issue which includes a test of the 3S 106 and six other crossover boards. They say it is fast, exciting, glides thru lulls, but also has a "quite jarring" ride in heavy, choppy seas. So it sounds like quite a different animal.

U2U2U2 · Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2016 11:01 am Post subject:

The shorter length will made make the board feel looser.

It will react in a more lively manner than a long.
You are looking at a difference of 6", a length reduction of 2.5 %.

It's interesting that the width remains 66cm.

Short boards , wave granted have been around, my 2004 Angulo Amigu was 80l, 224x 58, used B n J, great.

The stubble boards won't handle sharp closely formed chop as well.

You must luv the Tabous .

Arrgh · Joined: 05 May 1998 Posts: 864 Location: Rio

Yoosetooes, your thoughts very much match the Windsurf mag report. I have a 2015 3S, which I bought specifically for the very smooth ride, the domed deck, and thick footpads. For 2017 they have flattened the deck and thickened the rails. As for width, I think it tends to go hand in hand with (advertised) volume these days. Do we really believe believe that any brand makes a line with exactly 86, 96, 106 and 116 liters? We want a certain amount of float, yes, but mostly we are looking for a certain width within a board category.

boardsurfr · Joined: 23 Aug 2001 Posts: 1266

dllee · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 5329 Location: East Bay

I had '02 Matrix, great low end.
I have '16 Matrix, horrid low end due to stiff tubular battens, great TOP end.
My '10 3S 86 is fantastic in heavy confused chop, double concave like RRD's FSW's, much smoother than the faster JP's FSW's channel bottoms.

NOVAAN · Joined: 28 Sep 1994 Posts: 1551

The main reason I want to go with the larger 3S is for the smooth ride my other boards have.
Yes I like the Tabou boards. Rocket 115 is world class. The 3s boards are not the best at any one thing but are really good at everything. Just fun to ride no matter where I take them. I sold my Rocket 115 hoping to replace it with the 3s 116. In 2016 they where both 242x66. Now with the short shape I'm wondering how the 3s is going to sail.

U2U2U2 · Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2016 10:25 am Post subject:

NOVAAN · Joined: 28 Sep 1994 Posts: 1551

I compare the 3s to my Rocket 115. The Rocket is a great free ride board.
For me at 165 lbs and with a bad back it gets a bit ruff in cross chop pretty quick. My 96 3s with the thick pads and tail cut outs is super smooth and extends my time on the water. I sail it down to 4.7 In lite and gusty wind its to small to carry a 6.5 Its doable but not perfect. So I need the float of the 115 Rocket with the ride of the 3s. Hence the thought of the larger 2017 116 3s.

gvogelsang · Joined: 09 Nov 1988 Posts: 435